"Such a privilege": how it feels to be a finalist at FRA25

In 2025, we received an incredible number of strong applications, and we certainly didn't envy the judges having to decide who made it through to the shortlist!

Nevertheless, they did a great job of selecting the finalists for this year's awards, with the winners of the Brokers' Vote to be announced at our awards ceremony on 18th June at Diecast, Manchester.

Before this, though, our finalists have shared how it feels to be recognised at the Financial Reporter Awards 2025. Here's what they had to say...

"It is a real honour to be recognised as a finalist, especially in an industry as competitive and fast-paced as mortgage lending. It’s testament to the hard work, innovation and dedication of our entire team. We’re proud to be standing alongside some of the best in the business."

-     Helen Harrison, Santander for Intermediaries, Mortgage Lender of the Year finalist

"I am so chuffed to have been shortlisted by the judges, I put my all into helping my clients, my team and the wider mortgage industry, so to have that recognised means so much. It also feels amazing that our little firm has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Financial Reporter Awards, it really recognises the work we put in for our clients each and every day."

-     Kate Fuller, MAB Crawley, Adviser of the Year & Mortgage Broker of the Year (up to 10 employees) finalist

"We are extremely proud to be a finalist, being a small Income Protection provider, you can often be overlooked, however the work that the whole team have done at British Friendly to improve what we offer and improve our external perception has been outstanding."

-     Craig Dickinson, British Friendly, Protection Provider of the Year finalist

"Amazing! Being named as an Financial Reporter Awards finalist is huge recognition for our business and makes us feel extremely proud. We certainly don't take it for granted and remain humble with every stage of our business growth and continued success."

-     Lisa Stones, Mortgage 1st, Mortgage Broker of the Year (11-50 employees) finalist

"Absolutely amazing! I'm really proud to have made it this far among such strong competition across the country."

-     Sheree Bennett, HSBC UK, BDM of the Year finalist 

"Overwhelming, but I am honoured to have been nominated and wish all other nominees and finalists the best of luck, and congratulations!"

-     James Baldwin, Keystone Property Finance, Underwriter of the Year finalist

"It is an incredible feeling to have been recognised as one of the top advisers in the industry after advising for only two years. The Financial Reporter Awards celebrate the very best talent in the industry, to be shortlisted among high performing individuals is extremely motivating and truly rewarding.

"It has allowed me to take a step back and reflect on how far I have come and given me even more motivation to push further and inspire all the other new advisers to the industry."

-     First Mortgage NE, Protection Broker of the Year finalist

"In a word, fantastic! The Financial Reporter Awards are always a great event, and a wonderful chance for us all to get together and celebrate the very best in our industry. Good luck to everyone on the night!"

-     Lisa Parker, L&C Mortgages, Mortgage Broker of the Year (50+ employees) finalist

"We are thrilled to be a finalist this year. We feel incredibly excited to be shortlisted for Mortgage Lender of the Year, recognised alongside some of the big banks. It is such a privilege for us."

-     MPowered Mortgages, Mortgage Lender of the Year finalist

"Unbelievable, we here at Brilliant Solutions are so excited to be finalists for Mortgage Club and Second Charge Broker of the Year. We are truly touched to be in these categories with some, sorry I'm going to say it, #Brilliant businesses."

-     Michael Craig, Brilliant Solutions, Second Charge Broker of the Year & Mortgage Club of the Year finalist

"Wow! What an honour! I am totally blown away to be considered for this prestigious award."

-     Emma Sheffield, Staton Mortgage & Protection Specialists, Mortgage Administrator of the Year finalist

"It's a real honour to be named as a finalist alongside a fantastic group of people in this year's Business Leader category. Recognition from my peers in the industry is enormously valuable to both myself and to L&C. It's a testament to our commitment to always delivering the best for our customers."

-     Mark Harrington, L&C Mortgages, Business Leader of the Year finalist

"We are delighted to hear we are shortlisted, thank you to the judges."

-     Jayne Shaw, SPF Private Clients, Mortgage Broker of the Year (50+ employees) finalist

"We're very excited and honoured. While recognition is rewarding, the real satisfaction comes from having our hard work and dedication acknowledged. It's also a great chance to celebrate our outstanding team."

-     Scottish Widows, Protection Provider of the Year finalist

"We are over the moon! Literally buzzing to be shortlisted."

-     Rachel Lummis, Xpress Mortgages Ltd, Mortgage Broker of the Year (up to 10 employees) finalist

"Honoured, just 20 years in the making!!!"

-     Paul Rawson, Express Mortgages, Short-term Lending Broker of the Year finalist

"Overwhelming. There have been a large number of entries this year, so to make the final 5 in our category shows we are doing something right!"

-     Orchard Financial Advisers Limited, Mortgage Broker of the Year (11-50 employees) finalist

"I feel truly honoured to be recognised in such a prestigious awards program alongside so many inspiring peers. I genuinely love what I do, so receiving recognition for it is truly the icing on the cake."

-     Kate Cowan, Hope Capital, Business Leader of the Year finalist

There's still time to book your ticket or table, or to sponsor a category at this year's awards. Click here to find out more.

See you on 18th June!